Alternative Designs For London's Tower Bridge

Opened on June 30th, 1894, London's Tower Bridge is one of the world's most recognisable crossings. Yet the distinctive blue bascules and Gothic adornments weren't the only design proposed for the site.

The bridge was subject to an open competition, which resulted in many entries (including one for a tunnel) before the winning submission by Horace Jones was selected.

Here are some of the alternative designs...

Designed by: Horace JonesThis design is closely similar to the current structure, but the bascules are housed within a circular structure.

Designed by: F.J. PalmerThis design featured movable platforms at either end of the bridge with a roadway in place at all times, allowing traffic to pass unhindered.

Designed by: Joseph BazagetteOne of his several proposed designs.

Designed by: Frederick BarnettA "duplex" low-level tower bridge which would have allowed uninterrupted continuity of vehicular and general traffic.

Designed by: W.F.C HoldenProposed to encase the bridge in glass to protect during World War II